There was a huge turnout from residents at the first Open Westbury event on Thursday 27th February.
Organisers of the special community building event said, “A broad spectrum of the local populace attended this community-action event, with nurses, barbers, the clergy, tradesmen, shop owners and councillors, chefs and retirees all represented.
“They listened first to Hazel Stuteley OBE and Grenville Chappel BEM, two of the driving forces behind a community project that transformed an impoverished estate in Falmouth. And, although unlike in Westbury in many ways, the Beacon Project definitely had much to offer in terms of lessons learnt when mobilising a community.
“There was also a video shown of POPCAN, a community group here in Westbury that has already done some fantastic work over the last three years.”
Grenville Chappel said, “It is not politics, it is the life of your community that you are playing for.
“You have got to work with other people and you have got to work together.”
Organisers continued, “With that message still hanging in the air, the last hour of the event was workshop and wine, with attendees answering two initial questions: 1) What do I love about Westbury? 2) What could we improve?
“The first question provided a recurring theme about the people of Westbury.
“Amazing people wanting to change Westbury…A caring and safe community…The friendly people.”
“The second question gave everyone there lots to consider for the next Open Westbury event, when the focus will be on action.
“More youth services and engagement…A community space in the centre of town…A circular Westbury bus service.”
Ryan Child, Westbury Town Council events manager said, “I’ve come out of this event with so much excitement for the next year. It’s clear that the community can achieve an awful lot together, and agree about the priority issues we are facing. We want even more people at the next event! Open Westbury will act as an umbrella group, meeting another five times in 2020 to share ideas and learn from what everyone is doing in the town.”
If you would like more information about the information shared at Open Westbury, or would like to attend the next event, contact Ryan at events@west burytowncouncil.gov.uk or join the Facebook group by searching Open Westbury.
